Fine Line
“Of Spiritual Boxes”
Galatians 2

Reason
Fine line of veering either toward liberalism or legalism
	Liberalism: “I love Jesus, but I will live however I want to.”
	Legalism: “I will follow all the rules so Jesus will love me.”

Legalism (Galatians 2:1-10; Acts 15)
Including God but not relying on God 
Following rules instead of joyful obedience
“Checking spiritual boxes” = apathy  
Fear-based relationship with God 
	Man-made additions for God’s approval

Liberalism (Galatians 2:11-14)
	God loves me, so I can love God any way I please
	
	Hypocrisy = hypokrisis
	Impersonate someone or play the part

Obedience is determined by culture 
	“God can’t really mean _____”
	Grace is free and freeing so = woohoo!
	There are parts of the Bible that just aren’t relevant 	

Disappointing Leaders
Great leaders can go astray – pray for them, confront them.
Leaders make decisions that we may not agree with; ranting, rancor, resentment or bitterness doesn’t help anyone.
Every strength usually has a corresponding weakness – give grace.
Leaders need wisdom and sometimes use strength instead.
Past success and leadership is no guarantee of future obedience – pray for vigilance.
God will not be thwarted by weaknesses or failures of leaders! 
– Influenced by John Piper: Dealing with the Weakness of a Leader

Grace (Galatians 2:15-21)
	By faith, relying on God
	Joyful obedience 
	Faith-based relationships 
	God loves me, so I want to please him
	Believing we are “in” Christ 

“God’s pleasure in you is based on Jesus’ performance for you!”
– David Platt and Tony Merida